Commission votes 3–1 to keep two districts with 2% deviation

The Town Commission voted to keep two commissioner districts with a target deviation of about 2 percent during its Nov. 3 meeting, rejecting a proposal to eliminate geographic districts in favor of at-large seats.

The commission discussed two options: Option A would preserve Districts 1 and 2 and adjust boundary lines to reach a ~2% population deviation (presented figures: District 1 at 1,661 and District 2 at 1,693). Option B would remove district-based seats and make all commissioners at-large. After discussion and without the final map in front of the panel, the commission put Option A on the floor.

“There’s a motion on the floor. Motion, by Commissioner Hayward, a second by Commissioner Pope,” the president said; the commission recorded the vote as three in favor and one opposed, with Commissioner Garner opposed.

Commissioners and staff emphasized that the election board will finalize implementation and that, depending on where the boundary language resides in the charter, a charter change may be required before some adjustments can be enacted. One commissioner urged colleagues to allow the election board and staff to finalize details so the commission does not overstep operational duties.

The commission’s decision will guide the election board and town staff as they produce the final mapping and notices ahead of upcoming elections.